Richard Fradgley (RF): It would be good to hear a little bit about when you first trained, where you trained, what training was like back in the day and your experiences as a social work student.
Peter Spelman (PS): I became a trainee social worker in July 1973, initially working with troubled children with a history of crime. Some of them spent a lot of time going to court. I provided intermediate treatments in Wales for these young people.
RF: Did you train ‘on the job’?
PS: No, after a year as a trainee social worker I studied a postgraduate degree at the University of Sheffield, enabling me to gain a social work qualification. This was only a one-year training programme, including placements with Sheffield Social Services and the Royal Infirmary in Doncaster. The placements were really helpful for my development. After becoming fully qualified, I returned to work in Slough, Berkshire.
RF: What motivated you to want to become a social worker?
PS: There are two reasons. I had brilliant experiences working at a children’s home whilst I was still in school. This motivated me to want to help people who needed social work support.
The second reason is my background. I am from a family of Austrian refugees who came to England during the Second World War, which has given me a strong wish to help people who are disadvantaged. As a result of the UK taking in Jewish people, this has meant that I am alive and able to practice as a social worker.
RF: When did you start working in east London?
PS: My first posting in east London was at the-then Forest Healthcare Trust in Waltham Forest in the early 2000s, as an opportunity came up to work as an area manager. Although the team was generic, the top priority was child protection. After this, I was made redundant in a reorganisation. I was successful in gaining a position in Redbridge CAMHS, responsible for looking after children in a mental health specialist service.
I later joined Tower Hamlets CAMHS, where I still work today. I had a two-year secondment to a new team, the Intensive Community Care Service (ICCS). The work has been to prevent children from unnecessarily being admitted to hospital, as well as promoting early discharges to the community.
RF: What changes have you seen over the years in the profession?
PS: The extent of deprivation and poverty has increased, and the gulf between the disadvantaged and those who are better off seems to have become greater. As a result, people are living in really cramped conditions. Especially in Tower Hamlets, children were very disadvantaged during the pandemic by not being able to go to school.
Secondly, people are having more difficulty accessing services for physical health treatments, including GP and dental appointments.
RF: Over the years, have there been any developments within social work that you have drawn inspiration from?
PS: Having done training courses in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), I have become quite drawn to the idea of helping people with psychosis to overcome their difficulties and attempt to live normal lives. I am impressed with the techniques that have been developed for these people.
RF: How have you found working as a social worker within the NHS?
PS: In many ways I have more freedom, as well as opportunities to practice in alignment with my values. I also really like working as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
RF: Do you feel the voices of social workers are valued across the NHS?
PS: Yes, we have an increased number of social workers now, and they have been able to establish themselves in the Trust. I think social workers can make a meaningful contribution, offering something different from other professions in the NHS. I also think we have good levels of integration with relevant local authorities.
RF: Are there any moments that you are particularly proud of?
PS: There have been several times I have felt that I have made a difference, especially to those whose lives have been blighted by mental health conditions, such as psychosis. It can be really rewarding, and some people are very grateful for the help that has been provided.
RF: Do you have any advice for newly qualified social workers?
PS: It is really important to try to show empathy. If you are able to attentively listen to people and put yourself in their shoes, this can make a huge difference. People truly appreciate it if they feel they are being listened to.
RF: How have you been able to de-stress and ‘let off some steam’ throughout your career?
PS: I have quite a lot of energy, and I try to dissipate this by running every day. I used to run ultra -marathons, but now I try to run 5 kilometres every morning before work. It helps me to think and plan for the day ahead.
RF: Brilliant, Peter. That was brilliant. Thank you so much. You have described your career with so much wisdom, insight and generosity. I would like to thank you for everything you have done for the Trust and the communities you have served over many decades.
